Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has requested the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The last edition of the tournament took place in 2017, where Pakistan emerged victorious against India in the finals, claiming the title.
Given the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s participation in the event has not received a green signal from the BCCI. Previously, the Indian team declined to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, prompting the tournament to be conducted in a hybrid model with India’s matches taking place in Sri Lanka.
Recently, during the ICC’s annual conference in Sri Lanka, Pakistan presented the initial schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 without consulting the Apex Council. The tournament is slated to start in February, with Pakistan scheduling all of India’s matches in Lahore, beginning March 1, where India will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated match.
‘We’re very hospitable people, so I’m sure the Indian team should definitely come’ – Shoaib Malik
In a recent interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shoaib Malik emphasized the importance of separating sports from political issues and encouraged the Indian team to visit Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 and now it is India’s turn to reciprocate.
“Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that’s a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn’t come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now it’s a good opportunity for the Indian team too. I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven’t played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We’re very hospitable people, so I’m sure the Indian team should definitely come,” Malik stated.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board have indicated that the decision now rests with the ICC to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team to participate in the prestigious global event. With 6 months remaining until the mega event, the focus will be on how the ICC and the Apex Council manage to bring the reigning T20 World Cup 2024 champions to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
